Device Housing for an Aerosol Container

ABSTRACT

A housing for a mechanical or electrical device for use with an aerosol canister for containing chemical comprising a sleeve for receipt of the aerosol canister; a collar affixable around the neck of the canister; and a joint between the sleeve and the collar to secure the housing to the canister.

This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 10/110,661 filedApr. 15, 2002, which was filed pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §371 as a UnitedStates National Phase Application of International Patent ApplicationSerial No. PCT/EP00/09991, filed Oct. 11, 2000, which claims priorityfrom GB 9924468.3 filed 16 Oct. 1999 and GB 0020538.5 filed Aug. 22,2000, both in the United Kingdom.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a housing for a mechanical orelectrical device which is joinable to a collar affixed around the neckof an aerosol canister to form a chemical dispenser. In particular, itrelates to a medicament dispenser formable by welding a housing for adose counter to a collar affixed around the neck of an aerosol canister.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Aerosol canisters are widely used in domestic, commercial and industrialsituations for the application of a range of chemicals. Typical examplesof chemical products which are dispensable in this way includecosmetics, health products, paints, pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals.Frequently there is a need to attach mechanical or electrical devices tosuch aerosol canisters, for example to regulate or record the flow ofchemical from the canister, or to act as environmental sensors. Suchdevices may be affixed to the canisters by a range of technologiesincluding the use of adhesives and heat treatment, such as soldering orwelding. However, the attachment of such devices to aerosol canistersposes difficulties in terms of producing a secure joint withoutaffecting the integrity of the chemical by the application of excessheat during the heating or welding process. Similarly, the use ofadhesives may lead to contamination problems due to the presence of lowconcentrations of volatiles from the adhesive on dispensing thechemical.

Medicament dispensers are extensively used in the administration ofmedicines, particularly those for the treatment of respiratorydisorders. Medicaments which are contained in an aerosol and areadministered to a patient by means of an inhalation device are widelyused in such therapy. These inhalation devices typically comprise atubular housing or sleeve in which the aerosol canister is located andan outlet tube leading from the housing. The aerosol canisters used insuch inhalation devices are designed to deliver a predetermined dose ofmedicament upon actuation; the valves can be opened either by depressionof the valve member itself or by depression of the canister while thevalve member is held stationary. In the use of such devices, the aerosolcanister is placed in the tubular housing with the outlet valve memberof the canister communicating via a support with the outlet tube, forexample a nozzle or mouthpiece.

A recent development in this field of technology is the use ofmechanical or electrical dose counters to register the number ofmedicament doses used or remaining within the medicament dispenser. Dosecounters can be positioned within the tubular housing and operate bymeans of detecting movement of the housing relative to the aerosolcanister on actuation of the dispenser by the patient. The indexingmechanism of the dose counter registers the actuation of the dispenserand the counter displays how many doses have been used or remain withinthe aerosol canister.

Some dose counters are detachable from the aerosol dispenser. Onedisadvantage of such devices is that the individual components maybecome separated and used in isolation from each other. Anotherdisadvantage of these devices is that once the dose counter is removedfrom the aerosol canister it may be tampered with, typically by youngchildren, to give a false reading. Detachment of the dose counter fromthe aerosol canister could therefore result in false readings onre-attachment to the canister. Furthermore, with patients having severaldifferent inhalers, the indicating device could be re-attached to thewrong dispenser.

Housings which could be used to reversibly secure such devices toaerosol containers, such as those described in FR 2 743 055 for use withgas and perfume canisters, suffer from the aforementioned disadvantages.

Other dose counters are essentially irreversibly attached to the aerosoldispenser. One means of affixing dose counters to aerosol canisters isto use a ‘snap-fit’ mechanism whereby a tubular grip assembly on thedose counter housing is pushed into position around the neck of thevalve ferrule thereby locking the two components together. Whilst thisarrangement holds the two structures securely together there can, onoccasions, be some lateral movement or ‘play’ of one component relativeto the other. As mechanical dose counters operate by registeringrelative movement of the aerosol canister to the dose counter housing,any play or lateral movement can result in false readings beingregistered on the dose counter. A key factor in the successful operationand functioning of such dose counters is that there be minimal movementof the housing relative to the aerosol canister outwith the actuationcycle.

Dimensional variation resulting from manufacturing tolerances of aerosolcanisters and dose counter housings poses additional problems in theassembly and operation of medicament dispensers. In order that the doseindicator mechanism functions correctly the canister and the counterhousing must fit together tightly. Thus any variations in the dimensionsof either of these components which result in a loose fit between thecounter housing and the canister can lead to increased relative movementand the problems of false readings discussed above.

To overcome these problems of dimensional variation, stringent tolerancelevels must be set for the manufacture of both the counter housing andthe aerosol canister. This approach, together with the high levels ofquality control necessary to ensure that both components meet therequired engineering standards, is expensive for the manufacturer.

It is an object of the present invention to address the aforementionedproblems associated with attachment of a mechanical or electrical deviceto an aerosol canister, in particular for the attachment of a dosecounter housing thereto. The present invention involves joining thedevice housing to a ring or collar affixed around the neck of an aerosolcanister to minimise the relative movement of the component parts. Thisjoining can be achieved by a variety of technologies, including meltingthe components together by means of ‘hot staking’, soldering thesurfaces together, or using adhesives to bind the housing to the collar.Welding technologies are particularly well suited for this purpose.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

According to the present invention there is provided a housing for amechanical or electrical device for use with an aerosol canister forcontaining chemical comprising: a collar affixable around the neck ofthe canister; a sleeve for receipt of the collar; and a joint betweenthe sleeve and the collar to secure the housing to the canister.

In one aspect, the collar is a split collar.

In another aspect, the collar comprises the same material as the sleeve.

In a further aspect, the joint is a weld.

In yet another aspect, the weld is an ultrasound weld.

In a further aspect, the weld is a single continuous weld.

Optionally the weld comprises a plurality of spot welds. Preferably thenumber of welds is from 2 to 100, more preferably 6.

In another aspect, the weld is obtainable by energy generated by asonitrode head, of energy output 100-200 Watts, frequency 20-50 kHz andduration 100-200 milliseconds. A typical sonitrode head would be aconverter.

In one aspect, the housing additionally comprises a mechanical orelectrical device.

Preferably the mechanical or electrical device is a dose counter.

Preferably the electrical device is a sensor.

Preferably the sensor is for sensing the pressure profile associatedwith the breath cycle. Pressure transducers are suitable sensors of thistype.

More preferably the sensor is for sensing the airflow profile associatedwith the breath cycle. Sprung vane sensors and sensors includinganemometers are suitable sensors of this type.

More preferably the sensor is for sensing the temperature profileassociated with the breath cycle. The temperature of the inhaled andexhaled part of the breath cycle varies and may, thus, be used as ameasurement tool.

Most preferably the sensor is for sensing the moisture profileassociated with the breath cycle. The moisture content of the inhaledand exhaled part of the breath cycle varies and this also may be used asa measurement tool.

In a further aspect, the electrical device comprises a transceiver fortransmitting and receiving data. Preferably, the transceiver comprises aradiofrequency identifier comprising an antenna for transmitting orreceiving radiofrequency energy, and an integrated circuit chipconnecting with said antenna.

The radiofrequency identifier can be any known radiofrequencyidentifier. Such identifiers are sometimes known as radiofrequencytransponders or radiofrequency identification (RFID) tags or labels.Suitable radiofrequency identifiers include those sold by PhillipsSemiconductors of the Netherlands under the trade marks Hitag and Icode,those sold by Amtech Systems Corporation of the United States of Americaunder the trade mark Intellitag, and those sold by Texas Instruments ofthe United States of America under the trade mark Tagit.

Preferably the transceiver comprises a magnetic label or tag comprisingan antenna for transmitting or receiving magnetic field energy; and anintegrated circuit chip connecting with the antenna.

A suitable magnetic label or tag comprises plural magnetic elements inmutual association whereby the magnetic elements move relative to eachother in response to an interrogating magnetic field. A magnetic labelor tag of this type is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,940,966. Anothersuitable magnetic label or tag comprises a magnetorestrictive elementwhich is readable by application of an interrogating alternatingmagnetic field in the presence of a magnetic bias field which results inresonance of the magnetorestrictive elements at different predeterminedfrequencies. A magnetic label of this type is described in PCT PatentApplication No. WO92/12402. Another suitable magnetic label or tagcomprising plural discrete magnetically active regions in a linear arrayis described in PCT Patent Application No. WO96/31790. Suitable magneticlabels and tags include those making use of Programmable MagneticResonance (PMR) (trade name) technology.

In another aspect, the electrical device comprises a microelectronicmemory chip. The microelectronic memory chip may be selected from thegroup consisting of programmable read only memory (PROM), erasableprogrammable read only memory (EPROM), electrically erasableprogrammable read only memory (EEPROM) and a SIM card-type memory chip.The microelectronic memory chip may alternatively be a random accessmemory (RAM) chip, powered by a suitable source such as a battery.

In one aspect, the housing additionally comprises a window for viewing areading from the mechanical or electrical device. The reading maytypically be in the form of a digital readout on a visual display unitor counter, or may take the form of a flashing coloured light toindicate, for example, the doses remaining within the canister.

In another aspect of the present invention there is provided a methodfor securing a housing for a mechanical or electrical device to anaerosol canister comprising the sequential steps of placing a collararound the neck of the canister; positioning a sleeve around the collar;and joining the collar to the sleeve.

Optionally the method comprises inserting the mechanical or electricaldevice into the housing after joining the collar to the sleeve. Morepreferably the method comprises sealing the mechanical or electricaldevice within the housing after joining the collar to the sleeve.

In one aspect, the method additionally comprises associating themechanical or electrical device with the sleeve. The device may beassociated with the sleeve using a snap-fit mechanism. Preferably themethod additionally comprises sealing the mechanical or electricaldevice within the sleeve. The device may be sealed within the sleeveusing a range of sealing means, such as welding, soldering or adhesivemeans. Welding means are particularly suitable for sealing the devicewithin the sleeve.

Preferably the method comprises inserting the mechanical or electricaldevice into the sleeve before joining the collar to the sleeve. Morepreferably the method comprises sealing the mechanical or electricaldevice within the sleeve before joining the collar to the sleeve.

Preferably the method comprises inserting the mechanical or electricaldevice into the housing after joining the collar to the sleeve. Morepreferably the method comprises sealing the mechanical or electricaldevice within the housing after joining the collar to the sleeve.

In one aspect, the device is a dose counter. In another aspect, thedevice is a sensor. In a further aspect, the device is a transceiver fortransmitting or receiving data. In another aspect, the device is amicroelectronic memory chip.

In one aspect, the collar is a split collar. Preferably, the collarcomprises the same material as the sleeve around the canister.

In another aspect, the method comprises joining the collar to the sleeveby welding. Preferably, the welding comprises ultra sound welding.

More preferably, the method comprises applying a single continuous weld.More preferably, the method comprises applying a plurality of spotwelds. More preferably, it comprises applying from 2 to 100 welds, mostpreferably applying 6 welds.

In a further aspect, the method comprises using a sonitrode head toproduce a weld condition of output 100 to 200 Watts, frequency 20 to 50kilo Hertz and duration 100 to 200 milli seconds.

In another aspect of the present invention there is provided a dispensercomprising a housing according to the invention securable to an aerosolcanister.

Preferably the dispenser additionally comprises an actuator body.

Preferably the dispenser is a medicament dispenser wherein the aerosolcanister comprises a medicament in a propellant. More preferably thepropellant is liquefied HFA134a or HFA-227. Most preferably themedicament is selected from the group consisting of albuterol,salmeterol, ipratropium bromide, fluticasone propionate andbeclomethasone dipropionate and salts or solvates thereof and anymixtures thereof.

The present invention further provides a kit of parts comprising ahousing according to the present invention and an aerosol canister forcontaining chemical. Preferably the kit additionally comprising anactuator body. More preferably the chemical is a medicament.

In a further aspect of the present invention there is provided the useof medicament dispenser according to the present invention for theadministration of medicament to a patient.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanyingdrawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a section through a standardmetered dose inhalation device.

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a section through an aerosolcanister affixed to a housing according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a medical dispenser according tothe present invention.

FIGS. 4 a-c is a schematic illustration of the process whereby a dosecounter housing is secured to a standard metered dose inhalation deviceby ultrasound welding.

FIGS. 5 a & b show a housing for a transceiver affixed to an aerosolcontainer and a cross section of the housing according to the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The standard metered dose inhaler shown in FIG. 1 comprises a housing 10in which an aerosol canister 20 can be located. The housing is open atone end (which will hereinafter be considered to be the top of thedevice for convenience of description) and is closed at the other. Anoutlet 30 leads laterally from the closed end of the housing 10. In theembodiment illustrated, the outlet 30 is in the form of a mouthpieceintended for insertion into the mouth of the patient but it may, ifdesired, be designed as a nozzle for insertion into the patient'snostril.

The aerosol canister 20, comprising a neck region 21 and ferrule 22, hasan outlet valve stem 40 at one end. This valve member can be depressedto release a measured dose from the aerosol canister or, alternatively,the valve stem 40 can be fixed and the main body of the canister can bemoved relative to the valve member to release the dose.

As shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol canister 20 is located in the housing 10so that one end protrudes from its open top, the canister beingpositioned such that the neck 21 and valve ferrule 22 are enclosedwithin housing 10. Spacer ribs (not shown) may be provided inside thehousing to hold the external surface of the canister 20 spaced from theinternal surface of the housing 10. A support 50 is provided at thelower end of the housing 10 and has a passage 60 in which the valve stem40 of the aerosol canister 20 can be located and supported. A secondpassage 70 is provided in the support 50 and is directed towards theinterior of the outlet 30. Thus, when the parts are in the positionsshown in FIG. 1, the protruding portion of the aerosol canister 20 canbe depressed to move the canister relative to the valve stem 40 to openthe valve and a dose of medicament contained in the aerosol will bedischarged through the passage 70 and into the outlet 30 from which itcan be inhaled by a patient. One dose will be released from the aerosolcanister each time it is fully depressed.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a housing for a dose indicatingdevice 100 (internal details not shown) connected to an aerosol canister120 according to the present invention. The housing comprises a cradle101 for supporting the counter mechanism, located within the body of thecounter (details not shown), and a housing 100 having a tubular sleeve102 to receive aerosol canister 120 and valve stem 140. Collar 125,which is typically a split ring, is secured around the neck 121 of theaerosol canister 120. Tubular sleeve 102 fits over valve ferrule 122 andengages collar 125 which is tightly affixed around neck 121 of aerosolcanister 120. Thus the tubular sleeve 102 and collar 125 form a tightconnection between housing 100 and aerosol canister 120. Collar 125 iswelded to sleeve 102 by application of ultrasound energy. The sleeve 102is secured to the collar 125 by a series of spot welds 180. Twosonitrodes (not shown) are generally employed in the welding process,each sonitrode having three pins which are pushed into contact with thesleeve 102. Energy is transferred through the sonitrode pins, causingthem to vibrate and fusing the sleeve 102 to the collar 125. Thevibrating pins are pushed through the sleeve 102 to a depth ofapproximately 2 mm into the body of the collar 125, melting and fusingthe materials together, to form a series of spot welds. In analternative herein, one continuous weld may be employed by either movingthe sonitrode head around the sleeve or vice versa.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the lower part of a device similarto that of FIG. 1 but incorporating the housing for a dose indicatingdevice 200 affixed to an aerosol canister according to the invention asshown in FIG. 2. The counter mechanism (not shown) is supported on acradle 201 and engages post 218. Ultrasound welds 280 secure collar 225around neck 221 of canister 220 to tubular sleeve 202, thereby affixingaerosol canister 220 to dose counter housing 200. The resulting assemblyis positioned within housing 210. Thus on depression of the aerosolcanister 220, the canister moves relative to the valve stem 240 andopens the canister valve (not shown) to discharge a predetermined doseof medicament to the patient through valve stem 240 and thence to outlet230. The relative movement of canister 220 to counter housing 200 isregistered by the counter mechanism (not shown) and the number of dosesof medicament used or remaining within canister 220 is displayed oncounter window 205 and can be viewed through housing window 215.

FIGS. 4 a-c illustrate, with another embodiment of the presentinvention, the process whereby the collar 325 is fitted around neck 321of the canister 320 and welded to tubular sleeve 302 of the dose counterhousing 300. FIG. 4 a is an exploded diagram showing collar 325 beingpositioned between canister 320 and dose counter housing 300 displayingcounter window 305. The collar 325 is slipped around neck 321 ofcanister 320 (FIG. 4 b). As shown in FIG. 4 c, the collar 325 is thenpushed in the direction of arrow A to locate against the base of ferrule322 at the top of neck 321, while dose counter housing 300 is positionedover the top of canister 320 by being pressed down in the direction ofarrow B. In this way, collar 325 is wedged between tubular sleeve 302and the neck of canister 321. The collar 325 is joined to tubular sleeve302 by ultra sound welding at the points indicated by arrows C, therebysecuring the dose counter housing 300 to canister 320.

FIGS. 5 a and 5 b show a housing 400 for a passive transceiver in theform of an electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM)chip 490. In FIG. 5 a the housing 400 is welded at points 480 to collar425 (not shown) which has been secured to the neck 421 of the aerosolcanister 420 having outlet 440 as described above. The chip 490, locatedwithin housing 400, communicates with electrical contact pad 495. FIG. 5b is a cut-away section of FIG. 5 a, the aerosol canister having beenremoved to show collar 425 welded to housing 400. In this sectionalview, EEPROM chip 490 and electrical contact pad 495 are clearly shown.

Whilst the present invention has been described in detail in respect ofa metered dose inhaler it will be appreciated that other mechanical andelectronic devices, such as electronic sensors and readers, may beattached to an aerosol canister in an identical manner. For example, atemperature/pressure sensor for use with a paint dispenser could also beaffixed to the aerosol canister in this way.

It may be appreciated that any of the parts of the dispenser whichcontact the chemical suspension may be coated with materials such asfluoropolymer materials which reduce the tendency of chemical to adherethereto. Any movable parts may also have coatings applied thereto whichenhance their desired movement characteristics. Frictional coatings maytherefore be applied to enhance frictional contact and lubricants usedto reduce frictional contact as necessary.

The medicament dispenser of the invention is suitable for dispensingmedicament, particularly for the treatment of respiratory disorders suchas asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Appropriatemedicaments may thus be selected from, for example, analgesics, e.g.,codeine, dihydromorphine, ergotamine, fentanyl or morphine; anginalpreparations, e.g., diltiazem; antiallergics, e.g., cromoglycate (e.g. sthe sodium salt), ketotifen or nedocromil (e.g. as the sodium salt);antiinfectives e.g., cephalosporins, penicillins, streptomycin,sulphonamides, tetracyclines and pentamidine; antihistamines, e.g.,methapyrilene; anti-inflammatories, e.g., beclomethasone (e.g. as thedipropionate ester), fluticasone (e.g. as the propionate ester),flunisolide, budesonide, rofleponide, mometasone e.g. as the furoateester), ciclesonide, triamcinolone (e.g. as the acetonide) or6α,9α-difluoro-11β-hydroxy-16α-methyl-3-oxo-17α-propionyloxy-androsta-1,4-diene-17β-carbothioicacid S-(2-oxo-tetrahydro-furan-3-yl) ester; antitussives, e.g.,noscapine; bronchodilators, e.g., albuterol (e.g. as free base orsulphate), salmeterol (e.g. as xinafoate), ephedrine, adrenaline,fenoterol (e.g. as hydrobromide), formoterol (e.g. as fumarate),isoprenaline, metaproterenol, phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine,pirbuterol (e.g. as acetate), reproterol (e.g. as hydrochloride),rimiterol, terbutaline (e.g. as sulphate), isoetharine, tulobuterol or4-hydroxy-7-[2-[[2-[[3-(2-phenylethoxy)propyl]sulfonyl]ethyl]amino]ethyl-2(3H)-benzothiazolone;adenosine 2a agonists, e.g.2R,3R,4S,5R)-2-[6-Amino-2-(1S-hydroxymethyl-2-phenyl-ethylamino)-purin-9-yl]-5-(2-ethyl-2H-tetrazol-5-yl)-tetrahydro-furan-3,4-diol(e.g. as maleate); α4 integrin inhibitors e.g.(2S)-3-[4-({[4-(aminocarbonyl)-1-piperidinyl]carbonyl}oxy)phenyl]-2-[((2S)-4-methyl-2-{[2-(2-methylphenoxy)acetyl]amino}pentanoyl)amino]propanoicacid (e.g. as free acid or potassium salt), diuretics, e.g., amiloride;anticholinergics, e.g., ipratropium (e.g. as bromide), tiotropium,atropine or oxitropium; hormones, e.g., cortisone, hydrocortisone orprednisolone; xanthines, e.g., aminophylline, choline theophyllinate,lysine theophyllinate or theophylline; therapeutic proteins andpeptides, e.g., insulin or glucagon; vaccines, diagnostics and genetherapies. It will be clear to a person skilled in the art that, whereappropriate, the medicaments may be used in the form of salts, (e.g., asalkali metal or amine salts or as acid addition salts) or as esters(e.g., lower alkyl esters) or as solvates (e.g., hydrates) to optimisethe activity and/or stability of the medicament and/or to minimise thesolubility of the medicament in the propellant. Preferred medicamentsare selected from albuterol, salmeterol, fluticasone propionate andbeclomethasone dipropionate and salts or solvates thereof, e.g., thesulphate of albuterol and the xinafoate of salmeterol.

Medicaments can also be delivered in combinations. Preferredformulations containing combinations of active ingredients containsalbutamol (e.g., as the free base or the sulphate salt) or salmeterol(e.g., as the xinafoate salt) or formoterol (e.g. as the fumarate salt)in combination with an antiinflammatory steroid such as a beclomethasoneester (e.g., the dipropionate) or a fluticasone ester (e.g., thepropionate) or budesonide. A particularly preferred combination is acombination of fluticasone propionate and salmeterol, or a salt thereof(particularly the xinafoate salt). A further combination of particularinterest is budesonide and formoterol (e.g. as the fumarate salt).

It will be understood that the present disclosure is for the purpose ofillustration only and the invention extends to modifications, variationsand improvements thereto.

The application of which this description and claims form part may beused as a basis for priority in respect of any subsequent application.The claims of such subsequent application may be directed to any featureor combination of features described therein. They may take the form ofproduct, method or use claims and may include, by way of example andwithout limitation, one or more of the following claims:

1-50. (canceled)
 51. A method of assembling a cap structure to anarticle comprising the steps of: providing an article having an endsurface and a side surface which includes a neck section; providing acap structure having a sleeve having an inner surface; providing acollar; mounting the collar on the article to extend about the sidesurface thereof, mounting the cap structure over the end surface of thearticle so that the sleeve extends about the side surface of the articlewith the inner surface of the sleeve facing the neck section with a gapexisting therebetween; locating the collar in the gap so that the collarbears against the sleeve inner surface; and forming a permanent jointbetween the collar and the sleeve inner surface to permanently securethe cap structure to the article.
 52. A method according to claim 51,wherein the collar is resiliently expandable from a normal state and hasan inner diameter when in its normal state, and wherein the article sidesurface has an outer diameter which is greater than the inner diameter,and wherein the collar is expanded when being mounted on the sidesurface.
 53. A method according to claim 52, wherein the collarcomprises a split therein to enable the collar to be expandable.
 54. Amethod according to claim 51, wherein the article is a dispensingcontainer for dispensing a fluid product from an outlet end at which theend surface is located.
 5. A method according to claim 51, wherein thepermanent joint is provided by welding.
 56. A method according to claim55, wherein the welding is ultrasonic welding.
 57. A method according toclaim 51, wherein the cap structure further has a bearing surface, andthe bearing surface is in bearing relation with the end surface of thearticle when the collar is permanently joined to the inner surface ofthe sleeve.
 58. A method according to claim 51, wherein the article hasa central axis which extends through the end surface and wherein thepermanent securement is such as to prevent axial movement of the capstructure on the article.
 59. A method according to claim 51, whereinthe neck section has a portion which extends outwardly in a directiontowards the end surface and the collar bears against the outwardlyextending portion of the neck section when permanently joined to thesleeve inner surface.
 60. A method according to claim 58, wherein thesleeve is oriented generally axially when mounted on the article and theneck section has a portion which extends outwardly in a directiontowards the end surface such that the gap narrows in the direction ofthe end surface, and wherein the collar is wedged in the gap whenpermanently joined to the sleeve inner surface.
 61. A method accordingto claim 52, wherein the collar is in an expanded state when permanentlysecured to the sleeve inner surface.
 62. A method according to claim 59,wherein the collar is expandable from a normal state in which the collarhas an inner diameter which is less than the outer diameter of the necksurface portion, wherein the neck section portion tapers outwardlytowards the end surface and wherein the collar is slid towards the endsurface over the neck section portion to locate the collar in the gapwhereby the collar is in an expanded state when permanently secured tothe sleeve inner surface.
 63. A method according to claim 54, whereinthe cap structure is part of an indicator for indicating the number ofdispensements from or remaining in the dispensing container.
 64. Amethod according to claim 51, wherein the sleeve inner surface and theneck section are such that the gap therebetween narrows in the directionof the end surface, and wherein the collar is wedged in the gap whenpermanently joined to the sleeve inner surface.
 65. A method accordingto claim 51, wherein the collar bears against the neck section whenpermanently joined to the sleeve inner surface.